BREAKING: Fatal road incident turns into murder investigation in sudden turn of events
Gardaí are investigating an incident which saw a motorcyclist in his 30s pronounced dead in hit-and-run
A fatal road incident has turned into a murder investigation following new evidence which has come to light.
An Garda Síochána is continuing to investigate the fatal traffic incident involving a motorcycle and a car that occurred at Sandbrook, Ballon, Co Carlow, at approximately 10:30pm on Wednesday, 24 April.
The motorcyclist, a male in his 30s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The car involved was found burnt out at the location, and the occupants of the car failed to remain at the scene.
Following extensive investigations by Gardaí including technical examinations and a post-mortem examination on the deceased, a murder investigation has commenced.
A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed and is keeping the family of the deceased updated on this investigation, in addition to providing support.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to any person that can assist Gardaí with this investigation to come forward.
In particular, Gardaí are appealing for public assistance in tracing the movements of a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC (with Northern Irish registration plates and partial registration OHZ).
It's known at this time that this car travelled across the M1 toll bridge at approximately 8pm on Tuesday, April 23 and it is known that it then travelled to the Ballon area of Carlow on the evening of Wednesday, April 24.
Gardaí are appealing to any persons in the environs of Ballykealy, Ballon, Rathoe and Sandbrook who may have observed this car on either days to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in these areas are asked to make them available to Gardaí. Any home-owners in these areas who have CCTV facing the road are also asked to make contact with Gardaí.
Gardaí are also looking to trace the movements of a black Honda CBR motorcycle (partial registration 03 WW) in the Sandbrook area on the evening of Wednesday, April 24 and are again appealing to any road-users with camera footage (including dash-cam) or to home-owners with CCTV facing the road to come forward, in addition to any person who remembers observing this motorcycle.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.